Hyundai Rotem finds faster track to carbon neutrality with high-speed rail

Hyundai Rotem's KTX-Eum train / Courtesy of Hyundai Rotem

By Lee Kyung-min

• Published Apr 17, 2026 3:12 PM KST

Hyundai Rotem, the rail manufacturing arm of Hyundai Motor Group, has developed a software platform designed to reduce energy use across high-speed rail networks, the company said Friday.

Developed in partnership with Korea Railroad Corporation and Korea National University of Transportation, the Intelligent Energy-Efficient Operation System (IEOS) analyzes real-time track conditions and environmental data to calculate the most efficient speed for each segment of a journey, minimizing the acceleration and braking that drive up energy consumption.

On a pilot run on the KTX-Eum line between Seoul and Gangneung, the system reduced energy use by as much as 12.2 percent.

The push for efficiency comes as rail operators globally face mounting pressure to curb emissions without expanding already costly infrastructure. High-speed rail is often promoted as a lower-carbon alternative to air travel, but energy use remains significant, particularly on routes with frequent speed changes. Software-based solutions like IEOS are gaining traction as a faster, less capital-intensive way to deliver emissions cuts.

The approach reflects a broader shift toward “software-defined vehicles,” allowing upgrades through code rather than hardware changes. IEOS can be installed on existing trains without major modifications, enabling operators to improve efficiency without taking trains out of service.

The development also aligns with Korea’s efforts to strengthen energy security and meet carbon neutrality targets. Hyundai Rotem has said it aims to cut emissions across its value chain by 25 percent by 2030, with systems like IEOS expected to play a role in reducing both energy demand and operating costs while improving ride stability.

“We will continue to expand research and development to strengthen energy-saving technologies and contribute to carbon neutrality,” a Hyundai Rotem official said.

This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.